Abstract: A direct bond between metallic members and non-metallic members is achieved at elevated temperatures in a controlled reactive atmosphere without resorting to the use of electroless plating, vacuum deposition or intermediate metals. A metal member such as copper, for example, is placed in contact with a non-metallic substrate, such as alumina, the metal member and the substrate are heated to a temperature slightly below the melting of the metal, e.g., between approximately 1065.degree. and 1080.degree. C. for copper, with the heating being performed in a reactive atmosphere, such as an oxidizing atmosphere, for a sufficient time to create a copper-copper oxide eutectic melt which, upon cooling, bonds the copper to the substrate. Various metals, non-metals and reactive gases are described for direct bonding.